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Paula is one of the amazing volunteers who help raise vital funds to allow us to continue to our work supporting veterans and their families....
I’ve been a Help for Heroes supporter and donor from the beginning, in 2007.
I volunteered at the 24-hour million metre Row2Recovery event at Horse Guards Parade in June 2011, and my world has never been the same since. I signed up there and then as a Help for Heroes Official Volunteer.
I’ve volunteered for Hero Rides, helped out at the Invictus Games trials, I’ve given talks at events with Charity partners, I’ve been on the stands at fire station open days, village fetes, Christmas fayres and so much more.
I will never forget how one day I was dressed as Hero Bear at an event at a rugby ground during the day, before donning my finery to support the Charity at a fundraising dinner in the evening.
To watch someone come to the Charity nervous, disengaged and often appear angry with the world and to get the opportunity to listen to them and encourage them, and to see that ‘light switch moment’ when a smile reaches their eyes, or they engage in military banter and have a sense of belonging once again, they are special life-changing moments which are joyous to witness.
I’ve shared amazing moments with other volunteers who have become very close friends, as have members of staff. And I am in the privileged position to call beneficiaries and their families, friends.
Volunteering for Help for Heroes is physically and mentally challenging at times – but as much as I put in, I get so much more back.